Rockstar Games, a division of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., has announced that employees will be required to return to the office five days a week starting in April. This decision comes as the company enters the final stages of development for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. The move back to the office is said to be for productivity and security reasons, as Rockstar has faced security breaches in the past, including leaks of early footage from the new game.
In an email to staff, Rockstar’s Head of Publishing, Jenn Kolbe, mentioned the tangible benefits of in-person work and how it will help ensure the delivery of Grand Theft Auto VI at the quality level expected by fans. This decision to bring employees back to the office comes at a time when many companies are grappling with the issue of remote work in the aftermath of the pandemic. While some studies have shown that remote work does not impact productivity, Rockstar Games believes that being in the office is necessary to achieve the level of quality and polish required for their upcoming game.
The video game industry has been facing its own challenges when it comes to remote work, given its volatility and lack of a centralized workforce. Many successful games have been developed remotely in recent years, leading to a debate within the industry about the necessity of returning to in-person work. Rockstar Games’ decision to mandate a return to the office for employees reflects their commitment to ensuring the success of Grand Theft Auto VI and maintaining the security of their projects.
